Species

Veronica pimeleoides subsp. faucicola

Etymology

Veronica: Named after Saint Veronica, who gave Jesus her veil to wipe his brow as he carried the cross through Jerusalem, perhaps because the common name of this plant is 'speedwell'. The name Veronica is often believed to derive from the Latin vera 'truth' and iconica 'image', but it is actually derived from the Macedonian name Berenice which means 'bearer of victory'.
pimeleoides: like a pimelea
faucicola: From the Latin fauces 'throat, gorge' and -cola 'dweller, inhabitant', meaning gorge dweller in reference to this plant's habitat.

Common Name(s)

Hebe

Current Conservation Status

2012 - At Risk - Naturally Uncommon

Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2012 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2009 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, Paul D. Champion, Shannel P. Courtney, Peter B. Heenan, John W. Barkla, Ewen K. Cameron, David A. Norton and Rodney A. Hitchmough. File size: 792KB

Previous Conservation Status

2009 - At Risk - Naturally Uncommon
2004 - Gradual Decline

Qualifiers

2012 - RR, Sp
2009 - CD

Authority

Veronica pimeleoides subsp. faucicola (Kellow et Bayly) Garn.-Jones

Family

Plantaginaceae

Brief Description

Blue-green sprawling shrub bearing pairs of oval pointed leaves on reddish stems inhabiting dry rocky sites in Otago. Leaves 7.5-15.5mm long by 3.1-8.7mm wide. Leaf bud with small narrow gap between leaves at base. Flowers white or pinkish, in spikes with up to 24 flowers.

Flora Category

Vascular - Native

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs

Synonyms

Hebe pimeleoides var. rupestris Cockayne et Allan nom. illeg.; Hebe pimeleoides subsp. faucicola Kellow et Bayly

Distribution

Endemic to South Island, apparently restricted to central Otago in the Manuherikia, Kawarau and Clutha river valleys. May be more widespread.

Habitat

Occurs in exposed rocky outcrops and cliff faces. Often found growing in gorges.

Features

Small bushy shrub growing up to 70cm tall. Inflorescences have between 4 and 12 flowers. The flowers are mauve but fade to pale pink (or almost white) after pollination.

Flowering

December - March

Flower Colours

Violet / Purple,White

Fruiting

January - May

Chromosome No.

2n = 40, 80

Endemic Taxon

Yes

Endemic Genus

No

Endemic Family

No


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This page last updated on 6 Mar 2016